GOP Nod Sure, McCain Hitting Big-Money Trail

Ex-Treasury sec says Mac risked putting US economy in freefall for 'political gambit'

(NEWSER) - With the US economy in utter freefall, John McCain suspended his presidential campaign, jetted to Washington, called a meeting to fix the crisis—then did nothing, according the Henry Paulson's new book, On the Brink . In an excerpt in the Wall Street Journal, the former Treasury secretary recounts McCain's odd refusal to speak at the emergency meeting he called, and how the Democrats and Barack Obama pounced. More»

McCain-Palin campaign steered by former Bush workers

(NEWSER) - Sarah Palin may be a newcomer to national politics, but her army of aides has ace operatives who chiseled their craft working for George Bush's campaigns and administration, reports the Washington Post. They won the White House —twice —but some Republican loyalists question if the former Bush communications experts and strategists should be the ones steering a campaign themed on change. More»

(NEWSER) - President Bush tonight praised the "courage and vision" of John McCain and invoked the "lessons" of the 9/11 attacks as he asked Americans to vote for him, CNN reports. Bush, who addressed the Republican convention via satellite, also praised McCain for backing the US military surge in Iraq when it was politically unpopular. The president said McCain's "independence and character helped change history." More»

With $10M since bringing Palin on board, GOP looking amply financed

(NEWSER) - John McCain’s presidential campaign raised $47 million in August, its biggest monthly take yet, the AP reports. The campaign has apparently received $10 million in donations since McCain announced Friday that Sarah Palin would be his running mate. Officials say the total Republican general-election chest will be at least $224 million by next week, when McCain receives $85 million in public funds. More»

Storm could raise specter of Katrina, detract from McCain

(NEWSER) - Republicans are considering delaying the start of next week's convention in Minneapolis if deadly Hurricane Gustav hits big, reports the Washington Post. The storm is on course to nail the Gulf Coast with full force early next week, and party officials don’t want America thinking about President Bush’s bungled Katrina response when McCain takes center stage. The White House may also yank Bush from the convention line-up. He's now scheduled for Monday's opening. More»